elve o'clock. Don't fail to have them there on time, as I shall
be greatly disappointed to miss them."

When the gentleman had left the store, Ben was summoned.

"Ben, do you know the Cunard Wharf in East Boston?" asked the
bookkeeper.

"I can easily find it."

"Here is a package of books to be carried there."

"All right, sir," said Ben.

"They are for Mr. James Parker. If you don't find him leave them
with the steward."

So Ben took the package, and made his way toward the East Boston
Ferry.

On board the boat he look around him, thinking it possible that he
might recognize some one of his fellow passengers. Considerably
to his surprise he noticed Mr. Archer, superintendent of the
factory at Milltown, whom he had not seen since the latter declined
to take him on again at the mill.

"I wonder what brings Mr. Archer here?"

His surprise, however, was only momentary. There was nothing
strange in the superintendent's having business at East Boston.
Ben noticed, however, that Mr. Archer wore a traveling-suit, and
carried a knapsack.

Ben would have liked to inquire if Squire Archer had seen his aunt
lately, if they had been on friendly terms; but he was very doubtful
how his advance would be received, and remained where he was.

The boat touched the pier and the passengers disembarked. Ben
was two or three rods behind the squire. Our hero inquired the
way to the steamer, and had no difficulty about obtaining the
necessary information. To his additional surprise Squire Archer
crossed the gangway only a little in advance of Ben.

"What can be the squire's business here?" thought Ben, in surprise.

Ben halted on deck, and looked around for some officer to whom
he could entrust the package. At this moment Squire Archer turned
and saw Ben for the first time. He started and changed color, as
Ben could see. For an instant he looked irresolute. Then he
approached Ben, and said roughly: "What brings you here?"

"I am here on business," answered Ben.

"On business! What business?"

"I have a package of books for one of the passengers."

"Oh, I see," said the mill superintendent, seeming to be relieved.
"You are working in a bookstore."

"Yes, sir."

"What firm is it?"

"Jones & Porter."

"Oh, yes, I know. I have often been in their store. How do you like
your place?"

Squire Archer's tone was quite genial and friendly, though there was
an uneasy expression on his face.

"Very well, si